Messi also named four other players he wants Barcelona to sign, including Monaco full-back Djibril Sidibe, Genoa striker Krzysztof Piatek, Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Light, and Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard.

According to Don Balón, Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde might be upset because of French player Osman Dembele, who has missed training more than once recently.

Barcelona comes on top of the Spanish league standings with 24 points in 12 games, and on top of Group B in the Champions League with nine points in three matches, overcoming Tottenham, PSV and Eindhoven.